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Summer an opportunity to tackle projects

From the Chairman's Desk

Commissioners Chairman Carter Infinger

Carter Infinger

Guest columnist

Updated:
June 12, 2018, 1 p.m.

Summer is typically the time when folks slow down, enjoy
some time off or at least take it easy for a day or two. But not the Bryan
County Board of Commissioners.

We’ve got plenty of projects and plans in the works, and
we’re poised to spring into action. We’re going to forge full-speed ahead so when
our residents get back to the grind come August, they’ll have some new
amenities and improvements to enjoy.

As many folks know, we’re preparing to build a new fire
station right next to the County Administrative Complex off the Highway 144
roundabout in South Bryan County. Station 1, which will go out to bid this
fall, is an important addition to the county given the growth in that location.

Bryan County Emergency Services, which provides emergency
medical services to the entire county and fire-protection services to
unincorporated North and South Bryan, is doing a great job. The department has
10 stations and responded to 6,043 combined fire and EMS calls last year – up
from 5,084 the previous year.

Of those calls, 70 percent are for emergency medical
services all around the county and 30 percent are for fires in unincorporated
North and South Bryan, which is consistent with our budgeting allocations to
ensure the cost of countywide services are distributed fairly.

Bryan County Emergency Services firefighters are fully
cross-trained as medical first responders/EMTs/paramedics and can begin
administering treatment before an ambulance arrives on scene. This is an
important part of how the department works together to provide the best medical
care for our citizens.

The department also provides education to the public about
fire prevention, performs inspections to ensure compliance with fire-prevention
laws and handles natural disasters and threats, such as hurricanes and snow/ice
accumulation.

As you can see, it’s a very big job and help is needed to
ensure the continued safety of our community.

With nearby neighborhoods, such as Buckhead East, growing
quickly and the close proximity to McAllister Elementary School, this new
station will serve an important purpose in replacing the old, outdated Fire
Station 1 currently situated on Highway 144.

This summer, we’ve also planned some updates to our
recreation department gyms on both the north and south ends of the county. In
addition, Hendrix Park is slated for several improvements, and the football
fields will be upgraded, as will the concession stands and restrooms.

It’s important to us that our county’s families have
top-notch options for athletic pursuits and outdoor leisure time. Exercise is
an important part of a healthy, well-rounded life for Bryan County residents of
all ages, and when there are plenty of options to get moving, it’s a much
easier habit to sustain.

Another exciting project we’re gearing up for is the
widening of Highway 144. That is one task we did not want to begin in summer,
however, as it’s expected to take about 2.5 years to complete and will cause a
few traffic-related inconveniences. But while the inconveniences will be
temporary, the improvement will be permanent and well worthwhile.

Two other critical transportation-related projects slated to
go out for bids in September are the roundabouts at the intersections of
Belfast River/Harris Trail and Belfast River/Belfast Keller. We’re grateful for
the passage of TSPLOST since it provides an essential funding element for this
work.

On behalf of the Bryan County Board of Commissioners and the
county government staff, we hope you and your family enjoy a safe, restful and
fun summer. It’s a pleasure to serve you and we look forward to tackling these
projects to ensure the continued safety and quality of life our residents
certainly deserve.